Marco Island Yacht Club Youth Sailing Club

The Marco Island Yacht Club (MIYC) Youth Sailing Club has officially opened registration for its highly anticipated 2026 Summer Youth Sailing Program, inviting families throughout the community to enroll children and grandchildren in a fun, educational, and engaging on-the-water experience.

Weekly sessions begin June 1 and run through the week ending August 7, with programs designed for children ages 4 to 17. Classes are structured by age and skill level to ensure a safe and rewarding learning environment for all participants.

Morning sessions include Sea Squirts (ages four to seven), an introductory program designed to help young children become comfortable on the water while learning the basics of sailing in Optimist dinghies, and Beginner Opti (ages eight to 12), which builds foundational sailing skills. Afternoon sessions feature the 420 Program (ages 13 to 17), where teens develop more advanced techniques aboard Club 420 sailboats.

New for 2026 is Ocean Explorers (ages seven to 11), a program created for children who may not be interested in sailing but are eager to get out on the water while learning about the marine environment and local ecosystems.

Participants may register for individual weeks or multiple sessions throughout the summer.

Under the direction of Caroline Hugo, the MIYC Youth Sailing Club emphasizes skill development, water safety, and confidence-building while fostering a lifelong appreciation for sailing and the coastal environment. The program accommodates both beginner and intermediate sailors, offering progressive instruction tailored to each age group.